Bronchitis
Natural Remedies

Bronchitis - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Apr 19, 2025
Add New Post Comments
Garlic for Bronchitis

Bronchitis, a common respiratory condition characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can cause significant discomfort and health challenges. Symptoms typically include persistent coughing, mucus production, chest pain, and general fatigue.

While medical treatments are available, many seek natural remedies for bronchitis relief, aiming for a holistic approach to health. Based on feedback from our readers over the past 20 years, this comprehensive guide delves into various natural treatments, including the benefits of apple cider vinegar, garlic, oregano oil, and more, offering practical and effective solutions for managing and healing bronchitis. Whether you're dealing with acute or chronic bronchitis, our curated list of natural remedies and supplements provides valuable insights and options for enhancing your respiratory health and overall well-being.

Understanding Bronchitis: Types and Symptoms

  • Acute Bronchitis: This short-term condition involves inflammation of the lung airways, leading to symptoms like cough, chest discomfort, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, mucus production, sore throat, and chills. It's usually caused by viruses similar to those causing colds or flu.
  • Chronic Bronchitis: A more severe form characterized by persistent, heavy cough, discolored mucus, sinus congestion, progressive breathing difficulties, wheezing, fatigue, fever, chills, bad breath, bluish skin, and edema. This condition often results from prolonged bronchial inflammation.

Natural Remedies for Bronchitis

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

A powerhouse for nutrients, apple cider vinegar aids in body alkalization. For best results, combine it as hot vinegar tea with honey, cinnamon, and hot water.

Hot Vinegar Tea

  • 1-2 Tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon raw honey
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but lovely)
  • 6-8 ounces hot water

Mix in a mug. Enjoy this beverage liberally. It transports well in a thermos for work if days off are impossible!

2. Colloidal Silver

Known for its infection-fighting properties, colloidal silver can be used in various ways, including internal consumption, gargling, or in a nebulizer.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

The common 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can benefit lung issues, mainly through inhalation methods. See Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation Method.

4. Garlic

Its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities make garlic a potent remedy. You can take it raw, in capsules, or use garlic oil topically.

 DIY garlic oil can be rubbed onto the back or chest to quickly get the garlic to the lungs. If using raw or encapsulated garlic, four doses a day are ideal.

5. Oregano Oil

A potent antiviral and antibacterial agent, oregano oil is effective when consumed in capsules or diluted in juice. It's also helpful when massaged into the feet, especially when mixed with a carrier oil.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric fights infection and inflammation. Turmeric capsules can be taken 2-4 times daily. (2-4 capsules each time.) Golden milk is another option. Do not use dairy milk when bronchitis is a problem. Almond milk is preferred when there is a cough.

7. Vitamin C

This vitamin supports the immune system and helps in thinning mucus for more effective coughing. High-dose vitamin C therapy is another option to explore.

8. Steaming

Dry air can aggravate coughing. Making a steam tent and adding some essential oils to the steaming water can deliver moisture and healing right where needed.

Bring 2 cups of water to boil in a small pot. Remove from heat. Add two drops of any or all of the following:

  • Oregano oil
  • Clove oil
  • Cinnamon oil
  • Peppermint Oil

Use a towel to cover the head and make a “tent” so the steam cannot escape. Slowly breathe in the steam. Steam for 10 minutes or so, several times a day.

9. Rest

Taking a few days to rest is essential! Pushing through bronchitis to keep working makes it harder for the body to heal. Staying home and resting allows time to use natural remedies, take healing baths, and let the immune system work!

10. Hydration

Keeping the body well hydrated with water, herbal teas, and apple cider vinegar tea will help keep mucus in the lungs thin and easier to get out. Plenty of fluids also allows the body to eliminate toxins efficiently. Milk (and ice cream) should be avoided during bronchitis.

11. Honey 

Known for its antibacterial and soothing properties, honey can help reduce throat irritation and cough. It can be taken alone or added to herbal teas.

12. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil, used in steam inhalation, can help to clear the airways and reduce inflammation. It's also a common ingredient in cough lozenges and syrups.

13. Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing bronchial inflammation. Drinking ginger tea or taking ginger supplements may provide relief from bronchitis symptoms.

14. Peppermint

Peppermint leaves are known for their soothing properties for the throat and as a decongestant, helping to break down mucus.

15. Licorice Root

This herb is known for its ability to soothe the bronchial tubes and reduce inflammation, making it helpful in treating bronchitis.

16. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

This supplement can help reduce mucus thickness and frequency of coughing, making it beneficial for those with chronic bronchitis.

17. Zinc

This mineral is crucial for immune function and can help reduce the duration and severity of bronchitis symptoms, especially when taken at the onset of symptoms.

18. Probiotics

These can strengthen the immune system and potentially reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

19. Marshmallow Root 

This herb forms a soothing coating on the throat, reducing irritation from coughing.

20. Thyme 

Thyme has been traditionally used for respiratory illnesses. It helps in clearing airways and has antimicrobial properties.

21. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is known for its soothing properties, particularly for the throat and respiratory tract. It contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and calms the throat and bronchial tubes, easing irritation caused by coughing. Slippery elm can be taken as a tea or lozenge, providing a natural, gentle remedy for bronchitis symptoms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bronchitis, whether acute or chronic, can be effectively managed and relieved using a variety of natural remedies. From the soothing properties of apple cider vinegar and garlic to the healing benefits of oregano oil and slippery elm, each remedy offers its unique strengths in combating the symptoms of bronchitis. While these natural treatments can provide significant relief, it's important to remember that they should complement, not replace, advice from healthcare professionals. Always consult with a doctor, especially in cases of severe symptoms or chronic conditions. By integrating these natural remedies into your wellness routine, you can take a proactive step towards managing bronchitis and enhancing your overall respiratory health. We encourage our readers to share their experiences and feedback on using these natural solutions, as your insights can be invaluable to others navigating similar health challenges.

Do you have a natural remedy for bronchitis? Please send us some feedback! Please continue reading to learn how our readers fared when they tried using a holistic remedy like apple cider vinegar for bronchitis!

Related Links:

Breathe Easier: Natural Remedies for Bronchiectasis Relief
Natural Lung Infection Treatments: Herbal & Homeopathic Guide


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation Method

Posted by Victoria (California) on 04/01/2021
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I use straight 3% - the cheap non food grade type from the drug store in a nebulizer full strength or occasionally diluted with distilled water when starting. I have done so for many years. I have administered the same with my teens since they were little and have had no problems. Cured the respiratory problems in my home...started it when I had bronchitis for 4 months and was about to get a COPD diagnosis (I have never smoked.) That bronchitis strain put my mom in the ICU and almost killed her. The nebulized H2O2 killed my bronchitis in 3 days after starting! Since then I use it for all respiratory and viral infections. I've read the nebulizing is a systemic mode of action so it may be beneficial for issues beyond the respiratory system.

Since my remarkable recovery, my whole extended family uses nebulizers with H2O2 when they get respiratory bugs.


Onions

Posted by P. Raghavan (Virudhunagar, TN, India) on 11/30/2020
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

ONIONS IN SOCKS FOR BRONCHITIS.

Bronchitis is a disease in which the lining of the lungs and bronchial tubes become infected and flamed. There are a number of articles available on this subject in the net and the titles of two articles are given below:

1) Onions in socks for bronchitis.

2) I slept with onion in my sock and this is what happened.

According to the above articles, onions are rich in sulphur containing compounds and known to possess antiviral properties. One may expect the following benefits from sleeping with onions in socks:

1) Removal of germs and bad bacteria.

2) Alleviating symptoms of fever like cold and flu.

To implement this, one can place organic onion slices in the socks (under your feet in the middle) and sleep as one usually do. You have nothing to lose this onion and sock therapy a try. This is not expensive and onion slices in the socks will not hurt you. Reusing the same onion slice is not at all recommended. According to an article titled “Your feet and how they are connected to your body, vital organs in our body are connected to the bottom of our feet. If there are onion slices at the bottom of our feet, onion slices can stimulate vital organs in our body.

There is no scientific explanation for this treatment since it is evidence-based treatment. Recently, I had severe cold. I did not want to take antibiotics and cold medicines. I took the above treatment and my cold was gone within a day. If a person has bronchitis, cold, flu or fever, that person can try this treatment. Within one or two days, one will know whether the treatment will work or not.

Best wishes.

P. Raghavan.


Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne and Ginger

Posted by Miss M (New York) on 06/24/2020
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Had Covid then became lucky recipient of chronic bronchitis. I have an inhaler and hate it, so I tried this and wow it really helps fast.

Ingredients

Large knob of fresh ginger, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar and water.

Instructions

Shake a big shake of the cayenne pepper in blender jar, add ginger, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 16 ounces or two cups of water. Blend and drink swiftly.

It's a fireball going down and the ginger is a bit gritty but works like a charm. I was amazed at the relief I got and steroid free!

If you need a sweetener, add honey! Good for throat.


Ginger

Posted by Dawn (Graham, Washington) on 08/28/2018
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My 87 year old Mother had bronchitis for a year and a half. I tried everything for her. We cut about an inch of raw ginger off and added it to about one cup water and blended it in the Vitamixer. We did this twice per day...morning and night! She is fine now....amazing! She still takes ginger every night before bed and has not been sick since. Just wanted to share!

Dawn


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Wife And Mum (England) on 05/30/2018
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Apple Cider Vinegar cured chest phlegm and helped me breathe:

Every morning I woke up at 5am struggling to breath as phlegm loosened in my chest overnight and literally did not let me breath. For an hour every morning I drank loads of water (which helped a lot) and tried to cough and release phlegm. Then I read on this site about Apple Cider Vinegar so I started taking 1-2 tablespoons a day in a cup of water. After 2 days I did not wake up gasping for breath, I slept normally! I kept on taking it and was fine, when I stopped taking Apple Cider Vinegar I struggled a bit again in the mornings. I did this for a few weeks.

I have not taken Apple Cider Vinegar now for a good few days and am still fine in the mornings. I just about remember how I use to struggle every morning to breath! I actually can't believe it! I do have some minor phlegm over the day but it is solid and comes up easily, not loose and choking my lungs.

So Apple Cider Vinegar really gave me a lot of relief, and helped me breathe again.

Maybe now I will try it for weight loss!


Onion and Garlic in Honey

Posted by Kw67 (Texas) on 12/06/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

For Colds and Bronchitis:

Take 1 onion (any kind works well, red has a milder taste) cut up with one clove of garlic cut up and cover it in honey and let sit at least 4 hours, but 8 hours is better. I also add lime or lemon juice and cayenne and take two teaspoons every couple of hours until the symptoms subside. It almost eliminates the need for OTC cough medicines and antibiotics.


Garlic

Posted by Jan (Southern California ) on 02/16/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

HI! Re: Hot Garlic Water and soaking feet in this!

My husband and I have been suffering for weeks with coughing and sore throat and my husband believes he has bronchitis as it's really going around here as everyone I talk to knows someone that has the problem. At Walmart the cold and flu aisle is packed. Well I read the post from 2007 about Hot Garlic Water and soaking my feet in it and covering up with a blanket and breathing the vapor in.

Posted by Hillary (Jonesboro, Georga) on 09/27/2007

After years of suffering with horrible bouts of bronchitis, a lady, claiming to be a "witch" told me to soak my feet in hot garlic water, blanket over myself and the bucket, to inhale steam. She told me to do this for at least 6 hrs. I did not have bronchitis for 5 years. It is time to do it again (and I will), but was wondering, has anyone else heard of this "method" and what is is called?

I figured what do I have to lose? I didn't try it for 6 hours as directed but I tried it until the water became cool. After I stopped using this solution my entire body became very warm! I had to take my pajama bottoms off and put on shorts I was so warm!

Then my husband tried the hot garlic water until it became cold. He was really coughing badly and spitting up mucus.

Well we both slept though the night without coughing! I woke up well! No sore throat. My husband has been sleeping sitting up for days due to coughing! He hardly coughed after soaking his feet in this and is currently sleeping (still sitting up)!

I didn't know how to make garlic water so I placed a handful of garlic cloves in hot water and boiled it and then placed this in the blender put it in a pail and added very hot water to it. (next time I'm going to crush the garlic and boil it) see what works best.

Anyway I can't believe this solution worked so well! Thank for posting it! Thanks Earthclinic!


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rachel L. (Tarpon Springs, Fl ) on 11/17/2015
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I just want to thank the posts about people who cured their chronic bronchitis with apple cider vinegar! I used organic acv only kind I use its the best! (: mixed with 1/2 of a squeezed lemon I added entire half of lemon squeezed to my coffee mug along with himalayian acacia raw organic honey 1 to 2 teaspoons depending how you like taste! I love honey and all its benefits especially raw so I did 2 teaspoons! (: with 1 teaspoon of powdered regular dollar store cinnamon or you can use organic if you prefer! or 1 cinnamon stick! I used just dollar store brand cinnamon and last but not least boiling water and omg!

I was coughing up thick dark yellow mucus! phlem! and my lungs hurt so bad coughing! ): I've been suffering with this for 4 months off and on!! ): and as soon as I drank just half a glass mucus came up so easy like crazy! but turned white right before my eyes! infection gone!!! I'm so happy I want to cry! (: instant relief from months of sheer agony on my poor lungs from coughing so much! (: and I owe it all to that one awesome person who was suffering who posted it! (: and now I'm giving my testimony to help others suffering from horrible chronic bronchitis I had! or any respiratory illness! (: I've been taking lots of other stuff granted vitamin c zinc oil of oregano very very potent on infections especially bronchitis! and very good probiotic! (: but my relief was immediate from this miracle concoction!

Thank you acv, I believe is the utmost cure! Research it my friends!


Baking Soda, Olive Oil Steam

Posted by Jerryrigged4 (Springdale, Arkansas, USA) on 01/26/2013
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I use ACV and baking soda practicly everyday for all sorts of reasons. But when I have Bronchitis or sinus issues or just feel a cold moving in, I steam with baking soda. In a small pot of boiling water with a teaspoon of olive oil that is steaming real good sprinkle some baking soda, about a 1/4 tsp at a time and sniff and inhale while the baking soda is fizzling. It is so soothing, it will move the mucus out and kill molds virus and bacteria. Do it as much as you want its harmless unless you stick your nose in the hot water.


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Karen (Clarkston, Mi) on 11/09/2012
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have been using and recommending to everyone this protocol for bronchitis cough. Mix juice of 1/2 lemon, 3 capsfull of ACV, 1 TBSP of raw honey, add 4 ounces of hot water and mix up. I would drink or sip on it. When you have night time coughs that keep you up... Mix up a batch and set beside your bedside. That way you wake up and take a sip or drink more.. Then turn over and get sound nights sleep. Worked charms for me!!!



Advertisement